A new study found that federal regulations aimed at improving heavy-duty truck energy efficiency could lead to a 20% reduction in energy savings. The increased cost of trucking makes it cheaper for shippers to use trucks instead of rail, resulting in higher overall energy consumption.
Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers propose two strategies to reduce energy loss and increase efficiency: adjusting irrigation schedules to daytime hours when solar energy is produced, and selling surplus energy. These approaches aim to create a sustainable irrigation model that combines environmental protection with economic profitability.
A survey conducted by RIFS shows that 91% of Jordanian citizens want to see an expansion of renewable energies. They hope this will create jobs, improve energy security, and reduce costs. However, the government's policy of blocking renewables has stalled the energy transition.
A Korean research team demonstrates green hydrogen's effectiveness in stabilizing power grids and addressing output restriction issues. The study finds that combining solar and wind power with green hydrogen provides the highest economic efficiency and lowest power supply losses.
Scientists at TIBI employed AI to enhance the design and production of nanofibers used in acoustic energy harvesters, resulting in higher power density and energy conversion efficiency. The AI-generated nanofibers produced better performance than conventionally fabricated devices.
A recent study by Tsinghua University offers a comprehensive analysis of public building energy efficiency policies in China. The research reveals significant challenges, including difficulties in collecting energy consumption data and a lack of scientific methods for evaluating energy-use levels.
A recent study analyzed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment studies and found that conventional plastics are not always the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics emerge as a viable alternative for climate change and fossil resource depletion, but other environmental impact categories show some disadvantages. The analysi...
Researchers have developed a method to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000°C using synthetic quartz, demonstrating its potential for clean energy in carbon-intensive industries. The technology shows promise for industrial applications and could provide an economic viable alternative to fossil fuels.
A new device uses small amounts of light to process information, offering significant energy improvements over conventional optical switches. This technology could enable quantum communications, providing a promising alternative for data security against rising cyberattacks.
Scientists have developed a method to transform chicken fat into carbon-based electrodes for supercapacitors, which store energy and power LED lights. The new technology has shown good capacitance, durability, high energy, and power density, highlighting the potential of using food waste as a carbon source in green energy.
Researchers have developed microcapacitors with record-high energy and power densities, paving the way for on-chip energy storage in electronic devices. By engineering thin films of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide, scientists achieved a negative capacitance effect, allowing for greater amounts of charge to be stored.
A new study found extensive alternative splicing of messenger RNA in untreated multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls. Interferon-ß therapy corrected dysregulated alternative splicing, linking it to future clinical exacerbations.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid sodium-ion battery with high energy and power density, enabling rapid charging in under a few seconds. The new battery technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage for electric vehicles and other applications.
Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.
A recent analysis by DOE/Argonne National Laboratory and NREL suggests that renewable energy could reduce carbon footprint at the South Pole. The study found that using solar energy during the austral summer could save approximately $57 million over 15 years.
A new design for a liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator has increased the amount of wave energy that can be harvested from ocean waves. By repositioning the electrode, researchers were able to boost the device's conversion efficiency 2.4 times, demonstrating its potential for larger-scale applications.
Researchers propose a novel methodology for efficient and robust wireless-powering of deep-tissue implantable electronic devices. The technology uses ultra-low frequency magnetic energy focusing to penetrate deeper biological tissues with minimal energy loss and thermal damage.
Research by the University of Oklahoma reveals that Americans have broad public support for fusion energy, but limited knowledge and frequent misconceptions. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing public confusion and desire for safety to expand fusion energy support.
The article reviews energy management strategies for hybrid electric vehicles and aircraft, highlighting challenges and solutions. It also discusses the application of energy management in flying cars driven by hybrid electric propulsion systems.
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
Conventional supply-side policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches, which can improve energy security through continuity, affordability, and sustainability. A novel analysis by Nuno Bento et al. shows that demand-side actions outperform supply-side approaches in making countries more resilient to energy crises.
Researchers propose that policy interventions should focus on reducing energy demand to improve energy security, rather than just increasing supply. This approach is found to be more effective in making countries less susceptible to convergent energy crises.
Hybrid water electrolysis enhances hydrogen production efficiency by substituting oxygen evolution reaction with thermodynamically favorable oxidation processes. This technology also enables purification of industrial wastewater and creation of high-value-added chemicals.
Scientists have discovered a giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure in the Cygnus star-forming region, indicating the presence of a super cosmic ray accelerator. The discovery is the first to reveal the origin of cosmic rays with energy higher than 10 Peta-Electronvolt.
Research reveals that energy poverty is a significant issue in Canada, with implications for population health and climate resilience. The study found that households facing energy poverty are more likely to experience poorer self-rated general and mental health, as well as higher levels of illness and hospitalization.
Researchers suggest replacing 50% of animal products with alternative proteins by 2050 to unlock vast energy and negative emission potentials via BECCS. This transition could free up large agricultural areas, generating enough renewable energy equivalent to today's coal-generated power while removing substantial CO2 from the atmosphere.
A recent study on smart energy communities found that increasing the number of participants in peer-to-peer trading leads to diminishing returns due to decreasing diversity in consumption profiles. However, even with a small fraction of community members participating, most gains from trade can be achieved.
The Research Institute for Sustainability developed an energy justice index to measure fairness in the Global South's energy transitions. The index highlights countries like Malaysia and Chile as leaders in distributional justice, while Kenya and Jordan excel in procedural justice.
Researchers created a thermoelectric-piezoelectric hybrid energy harvester to overcome limitations of single-mode devices. The system successfully powers commercial IoT sensors without battery replacement, demonstrating its potential in industrial and construction environments.
A new commentary highlights that shifting focus from energy supply to consumption can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing. Reducing energy demand could save households and businesses money, create employment, and reduce emissions, while also limiting global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets.
A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.
Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.
The UC Davis Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP) aims to advance sustainable food innovation through research and partnerships. The center will focus on scaling up alternative protein production, improving consumer acceptance, and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers found that the loss of RBFOX2 protein leads to increased cell migration, invasion, tumor development, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. The study suggests alternative RNA splicing plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer progression.
Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
A world-first report found that alternative reporting options could help increase the number of women who report sexual assaults to police. Trauma-informed interviews designed in line with best-practice techniques can improve outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual assault who use them.
A study by Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) found no significant correlation between Industry 4.0 adoption and reduced energy intensity in Chinese manufacturing. Despite potential gains in efficiency, digitalisation may lead to increased energy consumption due to growth-promoting effects and 'digital rebound' phenomena.
The Telescope Array has detected the second-highest energy cosmic ray ever observed, with an energy equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height. The Amaterasu particle deepens the mystery of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, which may follow particle physics unknown to science.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba have developed an alternative to traditional batteries, using a cylindrical tank immersed in water to store and release energy. The iOWC system utilizes hydrostatic pressure to compress air and expand it through a turbine, generating clean energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy and French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have signed a Statement of Interest to launch the Electron-Ion Collider, a unique facility for exploring matter's building blocks. The agreement aims to strengthen international collaboration and future contributions to the EIC project.
Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.
The Pacific Northwest is launching a hydrogen energy hub with a $7 billion investment from the Department of Energy. PNNL's expertise will support the development of clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
A study finds that rural energy transition in China can reduce up to 75,500 PM2.5-associated premature deaths nationwide, while also offsetting costs in most provinces. This transition is expected to improve air quality in northern China by 2050.
A new UBC study found that people who use alternative health care tend to be wealthier, more open to novelty, and distrust conventional medicine. The study suggests that better advertising regulations are needed to protect Canadians from potential harm.
Researchers highlight single cell protein as a promising alternative protein source from microorganisms, which can thrive on diverse waste materials and enhance socio-economic sustainability. The review also emphasizes the need for consumer acceptance to effectively commercialize this eco-friendly protein source.
Energy system models fail to accurately represent energy storage, potentially leading to unreliable grid operations and increased costs. Leading researchers from Argonne National Laboratory highlight the need for improved models to accommodate new technologies like solar power and grid energy storage.
A team of researchers has discovered a particularly efficient molecular structure for solar energy storage materials, which could lead to more efficient solar energy harvesting. The new molecules were identified by screening over 400,000 molecules with the help of machine learning and quantum computing.
Researchers found no effect of LEED certification on average energy consumption in federal buildings, with energy use just one of six attributes scored under the program. Tradeoffs between attributes, such as water scores and sensors, accounted for the lack of energy savings.
A recent review paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to designing and implementing renewable energy systems. Local communities' values and concerns must be considered to ensure public backing for the essential energy transition. The study emphasizes the risks of ignoring socio-technical grand challenges in wind e...
The Faraday Institution will lead a £5 million R&D programme to develop improved and lower-cost battery energy storage systems for static off-grid, weak-grid, and e-mobility solutions. This will support expanding access to clean and reliable energy in developing countries, reducing emissions and meeting global climate change targets.
Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.
Researchers develop low-cost, scalable energy storage system using cement and carbon black. The technology facilitates renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by providing stable energy networks.
A study from Konstanz and Baltimore reveals that around 4.2 million animals have been used for hazard assessment under REACH, with many more expected due to a 2022 revision. Animal-free alternative methods are advocated by researchers, who argue that they provide more meaningful results than animal testing.
A new study suggests capping the energy use of the top 20% of consumers could reduce carbon emissions by 11.4%. The strategy would allow those with lower incomes to increase their consumption levels, promoting fairness and delivering climate justice.
A team of researchers developed a solution using GPT-4 to automate analysis of building operational data, providing comprehensive support for energy management. The codes generated by GPT-4 demonstrate high accuracy in energy load prediction and fault diagnosis.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a photocatalytic titanium oxide nanofilament material that can harness sunlight to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source. The material outperforms current methods and is stable for months, offering a sustainable and affordable path to creating hydrogen fuel.
The University of Surrey is involved in six national energy research centres, focusing on sustainable solutions for a greener future. Academics are developing hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels and boosting bioenergy production to reduce the UK's energy demand.